# Senators Introduce STRATA Critical Minerals Act

On October 6, 2026, Senators Chris Coons and Tim Sheehy introduced the bipartisan STRATA Act, a proposed 10-year initiative to establish U.S.-allied critical-minerals research and innovation partnerships coordinated through the State Department. If enacted, the initiative could create opportunities in research, technical assistance, workforce development, recycling, processing, and technology commercialization for universities, national laboratories, nonprofits, startups, and industry. The signal identifies no contract awards, funding amounts, or solicitations, so it does not present an immediate procurement opportunity.

- Potential participants can assess their capabilities and existing partnerships in the proposed areas, particularly critical-minerals research, processing, recycling, and commercialization.
- The proposal could create future work for research institutions and industry supporting allied supply-chain resilience, but participation and procurement mechanisms are not yet specified.
- Because the STRATA Act has been introduced but is not described as enacted, organizations should treat these as prospective opportunities rather than active solicitations or funding.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Defense & Military
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** October 07, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of State (State Department)
- U.S. Senate

### Key Quotes
> Structured partnerships with our allies on critical minerals innovation can ensure that the best science and the best talent are working together towards shared security and economic prosperity.
> — Daniel Correa, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of American Scientists

> By working with our allies to advance new technologies, build technical capacity, and strengthen supply chains, we can expand access to critical minerals and protect our national security.
> — Chris Coons, U.S. Senator

### Sources
- [Senators Coons, Sheehy introduce bipartisan STRATA Act to strengthen critical minerals supply chains](https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-sheehy-introduce-bipartisan-strata-act-to-strengthen-critical-minerals-supply-chains/) - Coons Senate